Oral testimony offers one of the most promising methods for documenting idiosyncratic and quotidian stories of the past, especially in places where the understanding of difference can be flattened by rural stereotypes. But almost a half century has passed since the oral history collections in the U of M Morris Archives were augmented. This proposed collaborative seeks to build on previous oral history collections toward new initiatives for recording the history of our region—informed by cutting-edge methods and community collaboration. We will do this in the first year through collective reading and learning, workshops with visiting experts in interviewing and archiving, and planning together for new projects.